China Visa

Most visitors, whether for sightseeing or business purposes, need to apply for a China visa in advance, unless they are eligible for visa exemption policies. The necessary documents for a China visa application include a passport, an application form, a recent bareheaded photo, round-trip tickets, a travel itinerary and any other documents as required by the Chinese embassy or consulate. The cost varies in different countries. For US citizens, a China visa application costs 140 dollars.

Do I need a visa for China travel?

Some countries, like Japan, Singapore, and Brunei, have a 15-day visa-free entry agreement with China, so their citizens do not need a China visa as long as their stay lasts no longer than 15 days. Mutual Visa Exemption between China and Qatar stipulates Qatar citizens with ordinary passports may stay in China for less than 30 days without visa. For a majority of foreign visitors from other countries, the visa is obligatory, even if you hold a US, UK, or Canadian passport.

However, if you meet the requirements, you may still enjoy visa-free travel by taking advantage of favorable visa-free schemes. Currently, visa-free transit options ranging from 24 to 144 hours have been adopted in quite a number of China's major tourist destinations including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou, enabling tourists to take a short tour in China.

Available in major Chinese cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai

24-hour Direct Transit

For almost all countries

Available in most China ports

If you wish to plan a longer stay, a China visa should be obtained.

How to apply for China visa?

Step 1: Collect all the documents you need, including a passport valid for at least six months and with blank pages and a fully type-written China visa application form glued with your recent bareheaded photo. If applying for a tourist visa, round-trip tickets and hotel bookings are also required. If you have booked a tour with a China agency, they will issue you with an invitation letter, which will be of great help to smooth the process.

Step 2: Submit all documents to the Chinese embassy, consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in person or through an agency. Some embassies and CVASCs accept mail applications but these incur extra charges.

Step 3: Collect your passport and visa on the date shown on the pick-up slip and pay the fee.

How much does a China visa cost？

The China visa fee is determined by factors such as your nationality, required number of entries, and whether you use express services. Here is a price schedule for your reference.

How long does it take for China visa application?

In normal cases, the application takes four working days to process. If you use urgent service, you may get the visa on the same day you submit the application. If using express service, you need to wait for two or three working days. Should your demand for fast service get refused, it is advised to start preparing the visa early to avoid delays and complications.

- Last modified on Jan. 02, 2019 -

Q & A Search:

Questions & Answers on China Visa

Asked by Talha ahmed from PAKISTAN | Dec. 13, 2018 19:27Reply

Visit visa. Hi I am from Pakistan

why I can't go china for visit individually ? Why should we have group more than five people is there any way to go individually pease guide

Answers (1)

Answered by Mckinney from GERMANY | Dec. 13, 2018 19:38

00Reply

As I know, the embassy doesn't accept Pakistani individual applicants. So you are advised to find an agency to help you.

Asked by Mai from UNITED STATES | Dec. 12, 2018 10:51Reply

Celebrity Millenium China & South Korea cruise in March, 3 days in Beijing. Do I need Chinese Visa?

I'm a US citizen, taking Celebrity Millenium China & South Korea cruise in March. Depart from Hong Kong --> to Seoul, Korea --> then to Beijing --> the to Jeju Island, Korea --> then to Shanghai. Will the 144-hour Free work for both Beijing and Shanghai?

I'm concerned if the 144-hour Free work for: Seoul, Korea --> to Beijing, China --> to Jeju Island, South Korea?

Thank you so much!

Answers (1)

Answered by Rob from OMAN | Dec. 12, 2018 19:14

00Reply

Seoul, Korea --> to Beijing, China --> to Jeju Island, South Korea is not a transit, so you won't qualify for the free transit in Beijing. You need a visa for that.

Asked by Sam from PHILIPPINES | Nov. 11, 2018 17:45Reply

connecting flight via Guangzhou Airport, do i qualify on TWOV?

Good day! I am a Philippine passport holder with a US Visa traveling from Philippines to LAX, USA. Flight is from Philippines to Guangzhou to Los Angeles with 2hrs lay over, do I need to secure Chinese entry permit? Thank you.

Answers (1)

Answered by Anessad from DENMARK | Nov. 11, 2018 23:40

00Reply

You qualify on TWOV in Guangzhou. Nice trip.

Asked by Wassana from TH | Nov. 08, 2018 18:56Reply

I would like to know if Canadian visit need Chinese Visa?

If Canadian have meeting by arriving China 11 Nov 18 which best way to go

Thank you

Answers (1)

Answered by Swan | Nov. 08, 2018 19:16

00Reply

Yes, you are supposed to apply for Chinese visit visa before your trip.